Romualdez Camp Demands Apology from BI Over Alleged 'Fake News'

Lawyers for Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez have demanded an apology from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over what they described as "patently false" reports that the former Speaker had attempted to leave the country. In a statement on Friday, Romualdez's spokesperson Ade Fajardo said the Solis Medina Fajardo & Malilong Law Offices had sent a demand letter to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. The letter pointed out that information cited by the Office of the Ombudsman regarding Romualdez's alleged attempt to leave the Philippines originated from the BI. "Rep. Romualdez is constrained to register his strongest objection and protest against the circulation by the Bureau of false and unverified reports, specifically its supposed receipt of 'information' regarding purported plans of Rep. Romualdez to leave the country," the lawyers stated in their July 24 letter, as cited by Fajardo. They argued that these reports are "patently false, misleading and gravely prejudicial to Rep. Romualdez and the proceedings pending before the Sandiganbayan." The controversy was sparked by a July 21 statement attributed to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, stating that the agency had "received information that there were plans [by Romualdez] that did not push through." This information was cited by the Office of the Ombudsman amid plunder complaints being prepared against the former Speaker, allegedly in connection with the flood control scandal. Romualdez's lawyers contended that the BI's confirmation "create[d] the unmistakable public impression that Rep. Romualdez attempted to flee the country to evade the jurisdiction of Sandiganbayan and the pending criminal investigation against him." They asserted, "This is a grave accusation with no basis in fact, and it directly undermines Rep. Romualdez's constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty." Romualdez had previously been granted a request by his successor, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, to go abroad for an angioplasty follow-up examination on April 20. However, his trip did not materialize as the Sandiganbayan's Seventh Division issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Romualdez on April 22. The lawyers emphasized that matters regarding the PHDO are sub judice and should not be "subjects of public comment, discussion or speculation." They stated, "At no time has Rep. Romualdez taken any action to evade any lawful court order or judicial process, or to place himself beyond the reach of Philippine authorities. He has consistently respected the institutions of government and has subjected himself to legal process where he is called to answer." BI Commissioner Viado, in his statement, rejected the allegation that his agency disseminated false or fabricated information. He stated that the BI responded to legitimate media inquiries and emphasized that it only provides factual information within the agency's mandate. "We remain committed to providing honest, accurate and responsible public information while respecting due process and the constitutional rights of all persons," Viado said. He added, "The Bureau’s response referred to information available to the Bureau at the time and was issued solely in response to legitimate media inquiries. The Bureau did not initiate the public discussion on the matter."